CANADA FALLS 3-2 TO UNITED STATES IN UNDER-18 WOMEN'S HOCKEY EXHIBITION

LAKE PLACID, N.Y. - Ève-Audrey Picard scored twice but Canada lost 3-2 to the United States in the finale of a three-game women's under-18 exhibition hockey series Sunday.

Picard opened the scoring at 16:58 in the first period and added another in the third, but the U.S. went ahead with a three-goal second period.

Taylor Williamson's power-play goal tied the game just 44 seconds into the period, and Lexie Laing scored two more to put the Americans ahead for good.

Canada's head coach Laura Schuler said she was still impressed with her team's performance, especially in the third period after being hampered by penalties in the second.

“I think it's tough to win three games in a row, especially when you are playing against the U.S. ...,” said Schuler. “You know we actually won the third period so definitely very proud of their efforts and a lot to move forward with.”

Shea Tiley made 27 saves in net for Canada, while Erin O'Neil stopped 18 for the U.S.

Canada won the opening game 4-1 on Thursday and beat the U.S. again 3-2 on Friday as the team prepares for the 2014 IIHF Ice Hockey U18 Women's World Championship next April.

Schuler said the series was an important step in helping evaluate the roster ahead of the worlds, as well as some scouting on their rivals.

“In terms of personnel and players and who can fill what role, for sure,” she said. “Got a lot that way. Who can play on the penalty kill, who can play on the power play, and also just learned a lot about the U.S. moving forward. What kind of systems they're using and what their personnel is like.”